The Story of Mankind. Illustrated

Hendrik Willem van Loon

• Publisher: Asimis Books
• Year: 2025
• Topic: History
• eBook ISBN:
  9786178705107
• Subtopic: History of Education
• Index: History

The Story of Mankind by Hendrik Willem van Loon is a groundbreaking historical narrative that offers a sweeping overview of human civilization—from prehistoric times to the early 20th century. Written for young readers but engaging for all ages, the book was the first winner of the Newbery Medal in 1922, recognized for its accessible style, wit, and educational value. Van Loon traces the development of human society through major historical events, cultural achievements, and influential figures. He covers a wide range of topics, including ancient Egypt and Greece, the rise of Christianity and Islam, the Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, and World War I, all presented in a conversational and often humorous tone. What sets the book apart is its emphasis not just on facts, but on the ideas and values that have shaped human progress. Van Loon encourages readers to think critically about history and its impact on the modern world. Illustrated by the author himself, the book includes maps, portraits, and diagrams that help visualize complex historical developments. These elements make the material more engaging and memorable for younger audiences. The Story of Mankind remains a classic introduction to world history—ambitious in scope, rich in insight, and deeply human in perspective.

Table of contents

• Foreword
• The Setting of The Stage
• Our Earliest Ancestors
• Prehistoric Man
• Hieroglyphics
• The Nile Valley
• The Story of Egypt
• Mesopotamia
• The Sumerians
• Moses
• The Phœnicians
• The Indo-Europeans
• The Ægean Sea
• The Greeks
• The Greek Cities
• Greek Self-Government
• Greek Life
• The Greek Theatre
• The Persian Wars
• Athens  vs.  Sparta
• Alexander The Great
• A Summary. A Short Summary of Chapters 1 to 20
• Rome and Carthage
• The Rise of Rome
• The Roman Empire
• Joshua of Nazareth
• The Fall of Rome
• Rise of The Church
• Mohammed
• Charlemagne
• The Norsemen
• Feudalism
• Chivalry
• Pope  vs.  Emperor
• The Crusades
• The Mediæval City
• Mediæval Self-Government
• The Mediæval World
• Mediæval Trade
• The Renaissance
• The Age of Expression
• The Great Discoveries
• Buddha and Confucius
• The Reformation
• Religious Warfare
• The English Revolution
• The Balance of Power
• The Rise of Russia
• Russia  vs.  Sweden
• The Rise of Prussia
• The Mercantile System
• The American Revolution
• The French Revolution
• Napoleon
• The Holy Alliance
• The Great Reaction
• National Independence
• The Age of The Engine
• The Social Revolution
• Emancipation
• The Age of Science
• Art
• Colonial Expansion and War
• A New World
• As it Ever Shall Be
• An Animated Chronology
• Concerning The Pictures
• An Historical Reading List For Children